SF Summer Minestrone

I don't understand why people hate on San Francisco weather! Besides a little fog, I think we have gorgeous weather! But it is true that the months of June and July are hot pretty much everywhere in the world and cold in SF. It's part of our charm? So when it's too cold to BBQ (and since I don't have a BBQ), I revert back to a winter favorite: hearty minestrone soup. This is not the watery type with floating vegetables in it. No, this minestrone is thick and robust with great depth of flavor - more like a stew. Make it! And let it simmer for as long as possible - that's when it really thickens!

2 TBSP olive oil

3 large carrots, peeled and chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 white or yellow onion, chopped

4oz diced pancetta

1 TBSP minced garlic

1 lb chopped kale

1 (28oz can) tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)

1 fresh rosemary sprig

1 (15oz can) cannellini beans

1 (14oz can) low sodium beef broth (add more if you feel like it's getting too thick while simmering)

1 rind of parmesan cheese

2 TBSP fresh Italian parsley, chopped

1 (10oz package) cheese tortellini, or any dry pasta you like

Salt and pepper

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and pancetta, stir for 5 minutes to cook the pancetta a little. Add the carrots, celery and onion. Saute until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the kale, tomatoes and rosemary sprig. Simmer about 10 minutes.

In a small food processor, blend half the can of beans with their own liquid (or with some beef broth if the can of beans doesn't have much liquid). *This is an important step in thickening the soup! Add the pureed bean mixture, remaining half can of beans, beef broth, cheese rind, parsley, salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the dry pasta.

Simmer as long as you can - the soup will only get thicker and richer in flavor. If it gets too thick for your liking, add in more beef broth.

Before serving, remove the rosemary sprig and cheese rind. Add more salt and pepper if it needs.

Ladle soup into bowls and serve with a big piece of crusty bread!

Makes 4 servings.